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Surfacing film with lightning strike protection

A new epoxy-based surfacing film for composites offers honeycomb-cored composites enhanced protection against lightning strike. Based on a modified epoxy film adhesive, Loctite EA 9845 LC Aero surfacing film for composites contains a lightweight conductive foil to protect honeycomb-cored composite parts from lightning strike damage. The new product also simplifies repairs to damage caused by lightning, according to the manufacturer, Henkel.

Made for durable, high-quality paintable surfaces, the product reduces surface imperfections, offers a 30% weight saving compared to current surfacing films, and minimizes the pre-paint preparation requirement. It can be applied to areas including the fuselage, wings, engine nacelles, and control surfaces.

With its low areal weight, this surfacing film minimizes core crush and reduces core mark-through. Increased resistance to UV radiation eliminates the need for sanding and reworking prior to painting. Even without sanding, the surfacing film offers good paint adhesion, thereby increasing the durability of the composite parts’ finished surface.

Chemical resistance to paint stripper reduces the time required for masking, which in turn lowers composite part finishing costs. The surfacing film offers additional flexibility in that it can be cured within a temperature range of 120°C to 176°C.
 

Henkel
www.henkel.com/aerospace

Read the Spec Sheet here: http://bit.ly/19N1Pc3

5-axis fiber laser cutting system advancements

The TLH Series with IPG Fiber Laser, 5-axis, 3-dimensional laser cutting systems is an ultra-high speed performer suited for hot stamping applications and high-speed cutting of thin gage mild steel, aluminum, or stainless steel up to 1/4" (6mm).

New features add to ease of operation, faster processing times, and operator comfort.

Advances to the cantilever-style Komatsu NTC TLH 5-axis fiber laser processing systems include a new control system and teach pendant to allow for easier operations and use. The 06R controller, an upgrade from the previous proprietary 05R NTC controller, provides easier-to-read screens with touch-screen activation leading to faster processing times.

The new teach pendant response time has improved from 2 seconds to 0.5 second, is ergonomically advanced for operator use, and provides a safety interface to ensure that two hands are on the pendant with automatic shut-off should one hand be removed. The TLH also comes with a new color scheme for a contemporary look and new Komatsu badging.

The TLH Series features two models: The TLH-414N, a shuttle pallet system and the TLH-408N with a 110" dia. rotary table. Cutting speed to 1,575ipm (40,000mm/min) can be achieved and the series features an IPG fiber-optic generated and beam delivery system with 3kW power option.

The series provides two pallet options: a 4ft x 8ft shuttle for larger parts processing or a 110" dia. rotary table for increased flexibility and production for smaller parts and volumes. The system uses a Windows operating environment, non-contact gap sensor technology, controllable optical head angles, and operator friendly joystick and hand-held pendant.

Komatsu NTC America
www.ntclaser.com

Algorithm for better servo performance

A powerful, new algorithm provides automatic adaptation to large load changes and automatic compensation for disturbances, resonances, axes interaction, cogging, and more. The ServoBoost algorithm not only identifies disturbances in real-time, but also analyzes the root cause, compensates for it, and attenuates its impact. The result is decreased move and settle time, ability to handle significant changes in load, and elimination of cogging and similar issues, which provides an increase in accuracy, throughput, and overall performance.

Designed for equipment that requires high accuracy and performance, including state-of-the-art semiconductor inspection, flat panel inspection, and electronics assembly, the algorithm enables extremely fast settling time and standstill jitter in the sub-nanometer region. The algorithm combines smooth and constant velocity with stability and robustness to provide a high level of control.

Applying the ServoBoost control algorithms dramatically improved the performance of a 3-axis machine designed to manufacture and test ultra-precision optical components. This is especially evident when performing small steps down to 2nm, or even smaller, with a residual stand-still jitter of about 250pm. As air bearing stages show inherently low damping, it is more challenging to achieve such results on air bearing stages in comparison to hydro-static or roller type bearings. The ServoBoost control eliminates this drawback, as it provides sufficient digitally controlled damping.

ACS Motion Control
www.acsmotioncontrol.com